NEW MUSIC.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVII, Issue 5788, 5 June 1880, Page 6

NEW MUSIC.

; SONG—"THE GOBLET." Words by Byrok. Mu-ic by Martin 1 Swallow. Thk Auckland Music Warehouse have just , published a new setting, by Mr. Swallow, of Lord Byron's well-known stanzas, ■ whicb, we doubt not, will be wel- : earned by the numerous friends the composer has made for himself in Auckland. \ The song, which is dedicated to Henry I Brett, Esquire, is written for a bass s voice, in the key of E flat, in six-eight time, the compass for the voice extending from C above to F below the stave. The melody is flowing and graceful, and the rythm of the worda has been well observed. If any fault is to be found with Mr. Swallow's work, we veuture to think that he has not been particularly happy in writing the accompaniments. The A. flat (instead of B flat) in bar eleven on the first page is doubtless a printer's error, but the doubling of the seventh in the dominant chord in bar fourteen has an exceedingly harsh effect, ; while the constantly recurring modulations and far-fetched chords leave an unsatisfactory impression on the ear. The work gives abundant evidence of careful and skilful writing ; but there is quite a superabundance of discords and foreign harmonies that harrass and weary the ear. A good effect is obtained, however, in the third verse, by the modulation to the relative minor key, and the return to the major key in the last verss has a wonderfully bright and pleasing effect. The song- concludes with a brilliant cadenza, which amateurs will do well to attempt ouly in the seclusion of their own studies. Anyone with a flexible bass f voice of sufficient compass will find "The Goblet" an effective song. It is not so k difficult as it looks on paper, and it will [ well repay anyone taking the trouble to study it.